Kiwi Penney to coach Munster

Dublin - New Zealander Rob Penney is to be the new coach of two-time European champions Munster, the Irish province announced Wednesday.

The 48-year-old joins from New Zealand provincial side Canterbury, where he has been head coach since 2006 and replaces Tony McGahan, who is taking up a coaching co-ordinator's role with the Australian Rugby Union.

Penney will take charge of the New Zealand Under-20 squad for the upcoming junior World Cup in South Africa, before starting at Munster in July.

Penney guided Canterbury to a fourth successive national provincial title last season, and he has previously served as Canterbury Crusaders assistant coach during a successful Super Rugby campaign.

"We conducted a thorough search to find a replacement for Tony McGahan and were delighted with the calibre of the candidates," Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald said.

"Rob Penney's record speaks for itself, and we look forward to welcoming him to Munster."